The Great Ark The Beautiful Prayer Hb Saniyasnain Khan (Goodword) English

The Great Ark – The Beautiful Prayer

by Saniyasnain Khan (Goodword Books)

Introduction

The Great Ark – The Beautiful Prayer is a beautifully illustrated children’s book written by Saniyasnain Khan, a well-known author of Islamic books for young readers. Published by Goodword Books, the story is part of a larger collection of Quranic tales simplified for children. This book combines two deeply meaningful episodes from the Quran: the story of Prophet Nuh (Noah) and the Ark, and the example of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) heartfelt prayer.

The book presents these timeless stories in a way that children can easily understand, while also teaching them about the power of faith, patience, and prayer.

Part One: The Great Ark (Story of Prophet Nuh, AS)

Background

Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) was sent to guide his people, who had turned to idol worship and sinful ways.

Despite his patient efforts over many years, very few believed in him.

Allah then revealed to him that a great flood would come as a punishment for those who rejected faith.

The Ark

Allah commanded Prophet Nuh to build a large ark (a ship) that would carry the believers and pairs of animals.

The people mocked him when they saw him constructing the ark on dry land. They laughed at him and ridiculed his message.

Prophet Nuh continued his work, showing obedience to Allah and patience in the face of mockery.

The Flood

When the appointed time came, the skies poured rain and water gushed from the earth.

The ark floated, carrying Prophet Nuh, the believers, and the animals.

Those who denied the truth were drowned, including Nuh’s own son who had refused to believe.

Lessons

Obedience to Allah: Nuh’s trust in Allah’s command saved him and his followers.

Patience in hardship: Even when mocked, he continued his mission faithfully.

Faith vs. arrogance: Those who turned away were destroyed by their pride.

Family and faith: Faith is more important than worldly ties, as seen in Nuh’s son’s refusal to accept the truth.

The story of the Great Ark demonstrates that Allah protects the believers and punishes arrogance and disbelief.

Part Two: The Beautiful Prayer (Story of Prophet Ibrahim, AS)

Background

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) is known as one of the greatest prophets and is called the Khalilullah (Friend of Allah).

He rejected idol worship from a young age and called people to the worship of one true God.

After many struggles, he and his son Ismail were chosen to rebuild the Kaaba, the House of Allah in Makkah.

The Prayer

Once the foundations of the Kaaba were raised, Prophet Ibrahim made a beautiful and heartfelt prayer.

He prayed:

That Allah accept his work.

That his descendants remain obedient to Allah.

That a messenger (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) be sent among them to guide people.

That the city of Makkah be blessed with peace and provision.

The Significance of the Prayer

This prayer was not only for his own time but for all generations of Muslims.

Allah answered his prayer by sending Prophet Muhammad ﷺ centuries later in Makkah.

The prayer highlights Ibrahim’s humility, gratitude, and concern for future believers.

Lessons

Importance of sincerity: Ibrahim sought Allah’s acceptance above all else.

Prayer for future generations: He thought not only of himself but of his children and descendants.

Unity of faith: His prayer reminds us that all prophets brought the same message of worshipping Allah.

Blessings of Makkah: His dua made Makkah a sacred city and center of guidance.

Themes of the Book

The two stories together highlight two essential aspects of faith:

Action with Trust (The Great Ark): Prophet Nuh shows that obedience to Allah and steadfastness in action bring salvation.

Prayer with Sincerity (The Beautiful Prayer): Prophet Ibrahim shows that turning to Allah with heartfelt supplication is key to lasting guidance.

Together, they teach children that true faith combines effort, trust, and prayer.

Style and Presentation

Simple Language: Written in clear, easy English, suitable for children aged 6 and above.

Illustrations: Bright, respectful drawings bring the stories to life, capturing children’s attention.

Moral Lessons: Each story ends with values children can practice—patience, prayer, trust, and gratitude.

Engagement: The book can be read aloud by parents, making it a shared learning experience.

Educational Value

Religious Education: Introduces young readers to prophets mentioned in the Quran.

Moral Development: Instills patience, humility, and the importance of prayer.

Spiritual Growth: Encourages children to connect with Allah through dua and faith.

Storytelling Tradition: Continues the Islamic practice of learning through stories.

Impact on Readers

Children: Develop admiration for prophets as role models and learn moral values.

Parents: Use it as a tool to explain Quranic history in an age-appropriate manner.

Teachers: Helpful in Islamic classrooms for lessons on faith and morality.

The book also strengthens the bond between parents and children through shared reading and discussion.

Conclusion

Saniyasnain Khan’s The Great Ark – The Beautiful Prayer is a spiritual treasure for young Muslims. It combines two powerful stories from the Quran that teach children about trust in Allah, patience in difficulty, and the power of prayer.

Through Prophet Nuh’s perseverance and Prophet Ibrahim’s heartfelt dua, children learn that being a true believer means working hard, staying patient, and always turning to Allah for guidance and blessings.

With its engaging style, respectful illustrations, and timeless lessons, this book is not only an introduction to Quranic stories but also a guide for building faith, morals, and love for Allah in young hearts.